Here's a Feast Your Dog Will Be Thankful For

As the leaves change and the air cools, you can feel that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a time for loved ones—including our furry friends—to gather around the Thanksgiving table and share in the abundance (and extra cuddles). 

With the turkey day festivities on your mind, you might be wondering how to include your pooch in the celebration—like preparing them the paw-fect Thanksgiving plate that’s both delightful and pet safe.

What Thanksgiving grub can my pet safely eat?

Let’s carve out the Thanksgiving foods that your pup can happily munch on. Those include:

• Fully cooked, lean, white meat turkey that’s skinless, boneless, and seasonless 
• Steamed or boiled green beans and carrots without butter or seasonings
• Mashed or cubed sweet potato and pumpkin without butter, sugar, or spices—bonus if you want to add a little whipped cream on top, as long as it doesn’t include xylitol
• Mashed potatoes without butter, milk, garlic, onions, or seasonings
• Small dollop of plain, unsweetened cranberry sauce without added sugars or other fruits

Don’t forget: A dog’s Thanksgiving meal should replace their regular meal, not be an addition to it. 

Wondering what other human foods your pooch can and can’t eat during the holidays? Head to our cheat sheet.

Let’s talk turkey meat

A hefty bird is the centerpiece of the classic Thanksgiving dinner.

While your pooch may be eyeing the turkey skin or turkey bones, it’s important to avoid these to prevent pancreatitis, choking hazards, and intestinal blockage. Instead, opt for turkey cuts that are low in fat content—like breast meat, or tenderloin. 

What about dessert?

After the holiday meal is served, your pup might be begging for a slice of pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, classic pumpkin pie for humans isn’t pet safe, but your pooch might enjoy a scoop of plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin puree, or slurping down this dog-friendly pumpkin spice latte. 

A few apple slices or a dollop of peanut butter can also be a tasty Thanksgiving treat alternative for your dog.

Don’t forget

Always monitor your dog when introducing a new food or treat to ensure there are no allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Serve any human food in moderation! Even if the ingredients are dog-friendly, too much of anything can cause an upset stomach in dogs.

This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.